Richie McCaw is one of the greatest players in rugby history, but the former All Blacks captain has a surprising connection to Scotland.
The two-time Rugby World Cup winner has Scottish ancestry on both sides of his family. He was even jokingly asked to swap the famous black jersey for Scotland's blue.
And there is plenty more to the 148-cap legend than his extraordinary rugby career.
From his dramatic body transformation to his sporting wife, three children and unlikely second career as a helicopter pilot, McCaw has lived a fascinating life.
Here are 10 things you might not know about the New Zealand icon.
1. He was asked to swap New Zealand for Scotland
McCaw's Scottish roots run deep, with both sides of his family tracing their ancestry back to the country.
In 2014, researchers at Glasgow's Mitchell Library discovered that his great-great-great-grandfather, Alexander McCaw, was born in Girvan, Ayrshire, in 1808.
The findings prompted a cheeky suggestion from VisitScotland chairman Mike Cantlay, who asked whether McCaw would consider pulling on Scotland's famous blue jersey.
McCaw himself had spoken warmly about his Scottish connections, admitting he always loved visiting the country.
There was never a serious international switch on the cards, but the discovery certainly raised a few smiles.
2. He shed around 20kg after retiring
McCaw has undergone a remarkable physical transformation since hanging up his boots.
During his playing days, the powerful flanker weighed around 107–110kg.
However, his move into endurance racing saw his weight drop considerably.
His incredible 27kg body transformation has previously attracted plenty of attention, with the former captain swapping rugby training for endurance challenges.
3. His wife is an Olympic hockey star
McCaw married former New Zealand hockey international Gemma Flynn in January 2017.
Gemma represented the Black Sticks at the Olympic Games and enjoyed a successful international career.
The couple share a passion for sport and have even competed in endurance events together.
4. He has three daughters
Away from rugby, McCaw is a devoted family man.
He and Gemma have three daughters, with their youngest arriving in April 2023.
The former captain has spoken about how becoming a father brought a completely different set of challenges compared with leading the All Blacks.
5. He became a helicopter pilot
While many rugby legends head into coaching or punditry, McCaw chose a very different path.
The former All Blacks captain became a commercial helicopter pilot.
His love of aviation began as a child, with his grandfather introducing him to gliding.
McCaw later helped deliver supplies and rescue people following the devastating Kaikōura earthquake in 2016.
6. He played the bagpipes with The Wiggles
Perhaps one of McCaw's most unexpected appearances came in 2021.
The famously tough former flanker joined children's entertainment group The Wiggles on stage in Christchurch.
Wearing a special black Wiggles jersey, McCaw played the bagpipes during a performance of Scotland the Brave.
He even joined the group's famous Fruit Salad singalong.
7. He completed a brutal 666km adventure race
McCaw's competitive streak didn't disappear when he retired.
He has competed in GODZone, one of New Zealand's toughest adventure races.
The gruelling event involves mountain biking, kayaking, trekking and navigating remote terrain.
One challenge covered approximately 666km and took his team around six days to complete.
8. He played through a broken foot to win the World Cup
McCaw's toughness was legendary throughout his career.
During the 2011 Rugby World Cup, he played through a stress fracture in his foot.
Despite the pain, the All Blacks captain helped lead New Zealand to a dramatic 8-7 victory over France in the final.
Four years later, he lifted the Webb Ellis Cup again after beating Australia 34-17 at Twickenham.
9. He wrote his rugby ambitions on a McDonald's napkin
Long before becoming an All Blacks legend, McCaw set himself some extraordinary goals.
During a visit to McDonald's with his uncle, he wrote down his ambitions on a napkin.
One was to become an All Black.
McCaw eventually made his international debut against Ireland in 2001, aged just 20.
He went on to win 148 caps, recording an incredible 131 victories.
10. He received New Zealand's highest honour
McCaw was appointed to the Order of New Zealand following his retirement in 2015.
It is the country's highest honour, with membership limited to 20 living people at any one time.
He also won World Rugby Player of the Year three times and was inducted into the World Rugby Hall of Fame in 2019.
Despite his extraordinary achievements, McCaw has largely avoided the spotlight since retirement, preferring family life, flying and adventure racing.
